From kevyn@KSUVM.KSU.EDUFri Jul 7 16:34:18 1995
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 1995 15:35:53 -0500 (CDT)
From: Kevyn Jacobs
To: "Kansas Queer News [KQN]"
Subject: (TOPEKA, GAGE PARK) NT: 12 Arrested for solicitation
FROM THE NEWS-TELEGRAPH
MAY 26-JUNE 8, 1995
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TWELVE TICKETED FOR SOLICITATION
by Lisa Marie Neff
TOPEKA KS-Since April 27, Topeka police have ticketed twelve men for
allegedly soliciting homosexual acts in Gage Park.
The arrests came through a police sting operation aimed at discouraging
solicitation in the park, said Commander Ed White of the police
investigations division. White said sting operations will continue in the
park this summer because "for years it's been a problem.''
Last Winter, police conducted a similar sting operation and plainclothes
officers cited 27 men. Those men received orders from Topeka Municipal
Court not to return to Gage Park.
After police announced the arrests, Topeka's Capital-Journal printed the
names of the men cited in the park. A similar article printed several
years ago in New Hampshire's Union Leader resulted in two suicides and the
dismissal of ten men from their workplace.
The citations carry a maximum $500 fine. The charge is considered a
misdemeanor enforceable under the city's code of ordinances, not state
law.
White said the sting operations at Gage Park were triggered by citizens'
complaints and law enforcement officers observing "criminal activity."
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